Agriculture Minister Blames Garbage Negligence for Serekunda Sandika Fire
By Fatou Sillah
Minister of Agriculture Demba Sabally has attributed the recent fire outbreak at the Serekunda Sandika Market to poor waste management, blaming the incident on the municipality’s alleged failure to handle garbage disposal effectively.
Speaking at the Bakoteh Women’s Garden, Sabally stated that the accumulation of waste, including discarded orange peels, contributed to the fire. He criticized the municipal leadership, asserting that their inability to manage waste collection led to the destruction of millions of dalasis worth of goods.
“The Sandika in Serekunda caught fire because of the garbage that was left unattended. The waste, including orange peels, was not removed, and the area became so dirty that it eventually caught fire. This happened because the mayors and chairpersons elected to manage the municipality have failed in their responsibilities. As a result, the fire caused significant losses,” Sabally remarked.
Following the fire incident, the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) issued a press release stating that their officers on duty alerted them to the fire. They immediately notified the fire service and regional police task force, who responded to the scene.
According to KMC, eyewitness accounts suggested that the fire originated from an electrical spark at a nearby utility pole near the market’s second entrance, leading to the blaze. However, Sabally maintains that negligence in garbage management was a major contributing factor.
During his address at the Bakoteh Women’s Garden, Hon. Sabally announced that the government, in partnership with the GIRAV project, will construct 40 new gardens across the country, with a total investment of 406 million dalasis. The Bakoteh Garden is among the beneficiaries.
“Your Alkalo has been asking for a fence for this garden, and today, I believe that request will be answered. President Barrow’s government, through the GIRAV project, will allocate 10.5 million dalasis per garden to support this initiative,” he said.
He further assured the women that the government would provide essential infrastructure, including fencing, boreholes for water supply, and designated nursing rooms for breastfeeding mothers.
“We will ensure your gardens have the necessary facilities, including proper fencing, easy access to water, and a comfortable space for nursing mothers. President Barrow has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize action over paperwork. When women gardeners say they need water, we will provide it; when they need fences, we will build them. Our goal is to ensure your work is supported, and your needs are met,” Sabally emphasized.
The minister’s remarks reflect the government’s broader commitment to improving agricultural conditions and ensuring sustainability for women farmers across the country.